Lazybirds light the town Saturday

Throwbacks are sweet when diligent hands revive the sound of their time.

Just so, Boone's own country blues and jazz quintet, the Lazybirds, will play a show at the Boone Saloon on Saturday, March 13.

The band has been a part of the area music scene since 1996 and has carved a genuine sound from the music of the past. Old-time jazz and blues are their roots, and their interest spans from the early '20s through the '60s. They have a hybrid acoustic sound and have been working at their craft most of their lives.

"Recently, we have been in the recording studio, and we're trying to get an album out," bassist and vocalist Mitch Johnston said.

He expects the album to be released in the spring, and it will be the band's first release in almost eight years.

"We've had a lot of different changes over the years," Johnston said. "One of our guys went to Alabama about six years ago, so we have been separated by geography for some time."

The Lazybirds had a lineup change five years ago when fiddle player Alfred Michaels joined the band. They have also been without Andy Christopher, their tenor banjo and guitar player, who has been recovering from a heart condition over the past year. The band will have a donation jug up front for those who want to help Christopher and his family relocate to Chapel Hill for health care.

The album was put on hold when Christopher took his leave, and band members hope album sales will bolster his recovery, mentally and financially.

It's apparent that the Lazybirds look after each other. Although the difficulties in life have slowed them down, the Lazybirds aren't giving up.

At the show on Saturday, the band will be playing a few songs from the upcoming album. The Lazybirds have backed a number of other area artists in their recordings. In 2007, they recorded with Kally Price that year for If You Like Good Cookin'...

Since around 1996, the Lazybirds have been filling venues to bring fun, uplifting music to audiences. They aim to keep this up Saturday evening at the Boone Saloon, starting at 10 p.m. Cover costs $7, and only those 21 and up will be admitted. The Boone Saloon is located at 489 W. King St. in Boone.

For more information on the Lazybirds, visit lazybirds.net.